The Tonga Rugby Union (TRU), Rugby Australia and the Australian Government have joined forces to stage the first rugby clash between the ‘Ikale Tahi and a combined First Nations and Pasifika team in Nuku’alofa.
The game will be held on 4 September.
Tonga Rugby said the clash will be the second game for the First Nations and Pasifika XV, following their match against the British and Irish Lions in 2025.
TRU chief executive Aisea Aholelei said they are delighted to host the First Nations and Pasifika XV for what will be a historic occasion for rugby in the island kingdom.
“This match will provide a valuable international opportunity for our locally based players, exposing them to higher-level competition and supporting their continued development,” he said.
The teams will compete for the inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy, meaning “Close Friends” in Tongan, recognising the strong and enduring connection between Tonga and Australia.
The Player of the Match from each team will be awarded with the inaugural Anthony and Saia Fainga’a Medals, named in honour of former Wallabies twins Anthony and Saia Fainga’a, who proudly represent both First Nations and Tongan heritage and have inspired generations of players across Australia and the Pacific.
Anthony Fainga’a said it will an exciting experience, adding they are honoured to have the medal named after him and his brother Saia.
“To have the Player of the Match medal named after Saia and me is incredibly humbling and something our family is very proud of,” Anthony said.
“Our First Nations and Tongan heritage has shaped who we are, both on and off the field, and it is special to see players given opportunities to celebrate those connections through rugby.
“I hope the Anthony and Saia Fainga’a Medals inspire players to represent their culture, their communities and their families with pride.”
More than a rugby match
Tongan Prime Minister and TRU president Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua said the game is much more than just a rugby match, with the close ties between the two countries at play.
“The Kaume’a Ofi Trophy is a fitting symbol of the close friendship between our nations,” Fakafanua said.
“The inaugural tour highlights the important role strengthening collaboration between Tonga Rugby Union, Rugby Australia and the Australian Government plays in growing the sport.
“We look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on our young people and the future of rugby in Tonga.”
Rugby Australia chief executive and former Wallaby Phil Waugh said the match will provide much needed international exposure for local players, on both sides of the ocean.
“We are excited to see the First Nations and Pasifika XV travel to Tonga and represent communities that have contributed so much to our game,” Waugh said.
“This match builds on the success of the 2025 First Nations & Pasifika side that faced the British and Irish Lions and reflects the continued growth of this program as an important high-performance and cultural pathway.
“Working alongside Tonga Rugby Union, this tour provides a valuable opportunity for players to gain international experience, while strengthening rugby pathways across the Pacific as we build towards Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.”
Australia’s Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said the Australian government is proud to be partnering with TRU and Rugby Australia to support the First Nations and Pasifika XV tour to Tonga and the inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy.
“The tour and match will celebrate our shared passion for rugby and create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and connection,” he said.
“It highlights Australia’s growing commitment to First Nations engagement across the Pacific and the important role sport plays in bringing our nations closer together.”
Both squads for the clash are expected to be announced soon.
